New York lawmakers are racing to pass a record $260 billion budget, according to a report by Spectrum News, as Governor Kathy Hochul faces criticism over her decision to use state reserves to clear unemployment insurance debt. Hochul initially resisted, but said the worsening economy and the risk of recession left her no choice.
The late-stage changes sparked backlash, with some Republicans and even Democrats condemning her use of a “message of necessity” to rush the budget through without the usual review period. Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Sen. Liz Krueger criticized the maneuver, warning it undermines transparency.
Good-government advocates added to the outcry, arguing the public and lawmakers won’t have enough time to digest the massive budget bills. Hochul’s office declined to comment on the controversy.
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